Pilipinas akyathlon set in Itogon Feb 9

By Carlito C. Dar

ITOGON, Benguet - - The Philippine International Sky Race – PilipinasAkyathlon is set in here in Barangay Tinongdan on Feb. 9. 
           

Now on its second year, the PilipinasAkyathlon, an eco-tourism sports event, will start and finish at the barangay hall of Tinongdan.

           

It is a 35.3-km race running up and down the peak of Mt. Ugo - 2,162 meters above sea level.

           

The mountain provides magnificent view of the surrounding mountains and portions of Binga and Ambuklao Dams and as far away as Pangasinan. 
           

To launch the event, the Philippine Skyrunning Association (PSA), in partnership with the Department of Tourism – Cordillera (DOT-CAR) and the municipal government of Itogon, recently hosted a media forum at the DOT regional office in Baguio. 
           

PSA president Jules Picato disclosed that Pilipinas Akyathlon 2013 is a green community eco-sports tourism event, wherein safety of  runners are considered. 
           

A maximum of 200 participants on a first-come, first-served basis will be accommodated to ensure that it is within the carrying capacity of Mt. Ugo. 
           

The SkyRace is open to local and international sky runners and will feature age bracket categories: 18-29, 30 - 39, 40 – 49, 50 – 59, and 60 and above age groups, for both male and female.

           

The top three finishers in each category will get trophies and other valuable outdoor prizes. 
           

Registration fee for Filipino participants, is P1,900 with deadline set  Jan 15.

Organizers have yet to say if applications would be extended.

           

For foreign participants, registration fee was 2,400 and will be accepted until Feb. 8. 

Picato disclosed that there were nine international participants already registered including a Malaysian female runner, who was one of winners in last year’s race.    For local runners 38 have already registered for the said sports event. 

Picato added a portion of the participation fee will benefit projects of Cordillera Conservation Thrust, the event’s environment and community partner. 

Meantime, Itogon Mayor Oscar Camantiles welcomed the return of the PilipinasAkyathlon to their municipality and pushed for its sustainability as it would be a big boost in their eco-tourism industry.

He also invited adventure seekers and seasoned runners to join the Feb. 9 sky running race. 

The municipality of Itogon is around 20 km away or a 30 to 4- minute drive from Baguio. 

For more information about the SkyRace, you can log on to PSA website at www.philskyrunning.com or at their facebook account Philippine Skyrunning Association or call DOT-CAR at (074) 442-8248 nd 44-7014.